Culch. (comes up to the door).  I know I shall find her here.  Lucky I know that Torcello chapter in “The Stones” very nearly by heart! (Reaches threshold.  A Voice within.  “Well, I guess I’m going to climb up and sit in that old amphitheatre there, and see how it feels!") Good heavens,—­MAUD! and I was as nearly as possible—­I think I’ll go up to the top of the Campanile and see if I can’t discover where HYPATIA is.

    [He ascends the tower.

    In the Belfry.

Podb. (arriving breathless, and finding CULCHARD craning eagerly forward).  Oh, so you came up too?  Well, can you see her?

Culch. Ssh!  She’s just turned the corner! (Vexed.) She’s with Miss TROTTER!...  They’re sitting down on the grass below!

Podb. Together?  That’s a nuisance!  Now we shall have to wait till they separate—­sure to squabble, sooner or later.

Miss T.’s Voice (which is perfectly audible above).  I guess we’ll give RUSKIN a rest now, HYPATIA.  I’m dying for a talk.  I’m just as enchanted as I can be to hear you’ve dismissed Mr. PODBURY.  And I expect you can guess why.

Podb. (in a whisper).  I say, CULCHARD, they’re going to talk about us.  Ought we to listen, eh?  Better let them know we’re here?

Culch. I really don’t see any necessity—­however—­(Whistles feebly.) Feedy-feedy-feedle!

[Illustration:  “Hypatia, by Jove!”]

Podb. What is the use of fustling like that? (Yoedels.) Lul-li-ety!

Miss P.’s V. Well, my dear MAUD, I confess that I—­

Culch. It’s quite impossible to make them hear down there, and it’s no fault of ours if their voices reach us occasionally.  And it does seem to me, PODBURY, that, in a matter which may be of vital importance to me—­to us both—­it would be absurd to be over-scrupulous.  But of course you will please yourself. I intend to remain where I am.

    [PODBURY makes a faint-hearted attempt to go, but ends by
    resigning himself to the situation.

Miss T.’s V. Now, HYPATIA PRENDERGAST, don’t tell me you’re not interested in him!  And he’s more real suited to you than ever Mr. PODBURY was.  Now, isn’t that so?

Culch. (withdrawing his head).  Did you hear, PODBURY?  She’s actually pleading for me! Isn’t she an angel?  Be quiet, now.  I must hear the answer!

Miss P.’s V. I—­I don’t know, really.  But, MAUD, I want to speak to you about—­Somebody.  You can’t think how he adores you, poor fellow!  I have noticed it for a long time.

Podb. (beaming).  CULCHARD!  You heard?  She’s putting in a word for me.  What a brick that girl is!

Miss T.’s V. I guess he’s pretty good at concealing his feelings, then.  He’s been keeping far enough away!